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Research Article Open access CC BY 4.0

Gravitational Moon–Earth Forces Triggering Earthquakes in Subduction Zones

Marilia Hagen, Anibal Azevedo

Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International · pp. 1–14 · Published 10 Nov 2016

10.9734/JGEESI/2016/29227

Abstract

In this paper, we investigated the possible interactions of the moon and Earth, mainly in the period 1996-2015. Initially, we considered the gravitational force of Moon vs. Earth by Newton’s equation.  The Moon has an elliptical orbit around the planet that reaches two points of maximum. One is the closest, the Perigee, and other the farthest is the Apogee. The Apogee and Perigee have distinct values monthly.  In our study, the Perigee force was calculated during every month, year after year.  This force creates an oscillation, which in, 13 – 14 months, completes a whole cycle. The wave period is 5400 hours as calculated. The energy generated by Moon on Earth from this closest position reaches a maximum during the Full or New Moon. We observed during these phases an enhancement of earthquakes near the shorelines of the Pacific. On the other hand, the wave minimum matches with the First or Third Quarter, but in this case, the effects of earthquakes are smaller on the same regions observed for New or Full Moon. These results indicated that external forces created by Moon- Earth system allied with internal ones are responsible for increase earthquakes in the pointed out areas. Also, the oscillating movement of Moon-Earth system provides a tool for predicting the next enhancement on earthquakes cycles.  

Earth moon solar cycles perigee waves moon phases earthquakes

Cited by 8

Sun-Moon-Earth Interactions, External Factors for Earthquakes

M. Hagen, A. Azevedo · Natural Science · 2017

Possible Connections between Seasons and Ultra-Deep Earthquakes Worldwide

Marilia Hagen, A. Azevedo · Natural Science · 2018

Sun-Moon-Earth Interactions with Larger Earthquakes Worldwide Connections

Marilia Hagen, Anibal Azevedo · Open Journal of Earthquake Research · 2019

Moon-Earth gravitational variation force connection with earthquakes near Oceans

Marilia Hagen, Anibal Azevedo · 15th International Congress of the Brazilian Geophysical Society & EXPOGEF, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 31 July-3 August 2017 · 2017

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Marilia Hagen, Anibal Azevedo · Open Journal of Earthquake Research · 2024

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Marilia Hagen, Anibal Azevedo · Open Journal of Earthquake Research · 2025

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